Rosemarie Dolores (Giove) Whalen, a shining light to all who knew her, passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 83.
Growing up in Boston and Everett, Rosemarie’s infectious smile, enthusiasm, and love of life inspired all who knew her. As a child, she loved to dance and was proud to have been a cheerleader with her graduating class of 1958 at Everett High School. She married her soulmate and the love of her life, James, in 1959, and together they built a beautiful life in Reading that was filled with love and laughter, raising three sons, including a set of twins, and a daughter.
In addition to the blessing of Rosemarie’s presence and leadership in the household, she spent time working at Textron Industry in Wilmington. Most notably, her talents shone brightly as a florist with Michael’s. A gifted artist, Rosemarie found immense joy in painting and creating, but her greatest treasure was the time spent surrounded by her loving family and dear friends, whom she made easily. She loved to cook, dance, and had an overall zest for life. She and James enjoyed many years of retirement in Punta Gorda, Florida, before recently returning to be closer to family.
Rosemarie’s memory will live on, continuing to inspire and uplift all who knew her.
As well as being the loving wife of 65 years to James, she is the devoted mother of James Whalen Jr. of Colorado, Michael Whalen of Rockport, Stephen Whalen and his wife Jenna of Salem, NH, and the late Lisa Whalen. She was a proud grandmother to Kale Whalen and his wife Jenna of North Carolina, Elizabeth and Benjamin Whalen of Eastham, Tyler and Nicholas Whalen of Billerica, and Ryan, Samantha, and Luke Whalen of New Hampshire.
Rosemarie was the beloved daughter of the late Stephen and Mary (D’Amore) Giove and the loving sister of Stephen Giove and his wife Diane, and the late Gerard Giove. She was the beloved sister-in-law of Vincent Whalen, Janice (Whalen) Tracey and her late husband George, and the late Walter Whalen and his wife Janet Julin-Whalen. Rosemarie also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Services for Rosemarie will be held privately.
